Recent figures show that despite the recession, online business is on the rise in the UK. According to Webwindows, the rise in online sales despite the credit crunch can be attributed to many factors. First are the attractive offers that are available online. According to Webwindows, people can simply log on to the Internet and do comparative shopping and hunt for the best bargains. This way they save on time and gas and shop from the comforts of their homes. Webwindows feels that people prefer to shop online to take advantage of benefits such as choice, price transparency and the ability to research prices. According to Webwindows, these advantages become all the more important in an environment where people have to watch what they are spending.

The Webwindows stand is supported by IMRG, who has also confirmed that more and more consumers were turning to the Internet to hunt for attractive offers and bargains. Recent figures show that online searches for discounts have gone by over 100 percent. According to Webwindows, the figures are a clear indication of how consumers are becoming more price sensitive in times of recession.

Based on recent trends, Webwindows feels online sales are likely to rise, a fact that is confirmed by a report by Capgemini which predicts that from 18 percent of retail sales currently carried out over the Internet, the figures are likely to go up to 50 percent.

Given the fact that more and more people are turning to the Internet for doing their online purchases, Webwindows suggests that online companies should take appropriate measures to increase their online presence. The most effective way to improve online presence is by advertising in the offline media. According to Webwindows, when it comes to making their purchasing decisions, people still instill their faith in newspapers and magazines. The reason for this is, according to Webwindows, is that there is a level of anonymity associated with the online media and it difficult to judge the how genuine the offering is. Advertisements in newspapers, magazines, and in dedicated pages such as the Webwindows page, instill confidence in the consumers. As the advertisements are paid for, chances of their being genuine increase manifold.

Webwindows recommends that the best way to survive the economic recession is by building a strong online presence through advertising in newspapers and magazines. These advertisements are read by affluent consumers who have an Internet connection and the resources to make a purchase. For example, the Webwindows page that appears in the weekend color supplements of leading newspapers in the UK has a weekly readership of 5 million people, many of whom are looking to make purchases online. Classified newspaper advertisements on the Webwindows page can help you target the right audience and find buyers for your online offerings even in the times of recession.